Having been self challenged to use less words more effectively I began looking at what is considered to be great speeches, sermons and presentations.
Like anyone else, I enjoy an effective speaker.
Polished and passionate.
Someone that has a grasp on the subject matter and an understanding of the audience.
Most of all…short and strategic.
Having been exposed to numerous effective speakers, politicians, celebrities and preachers I began to consider if the length of the speech or the sermon has any affect, on it’s effect.
It certainly does.
If a speaker comes to the podium, leave the audience wanting more.
Not wishing the speaker had spoken less.
Why does a celebrity receiving an award feel the need to speak until the orchestra cuts them off?
Because of the short attention span of American audiences?
No.
Less words are more easily processed, recalled and lived out.
Ever heard a hit pop song that lasted more than four minutes?
Rarely.
And most of us can remember every single word of the shorter radio version.
Arguably, the greatest presentation of thought orally is The Sermon On The Mount, which are the words of Christ, spoken to a very engaged audience.
It is found in the book of Matthew, chapters five, six and seven.
I took a timer and began to read out loud the length of the text at a moderate, conversational style pace.
Time of history’s greatest, most effective and far reaching spoken words?
Twelve minutes and fifty one seconds.
“…when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished…” Matthew 7:29
What people need are less speeches, less sermons, less books and even less blogs.
Quality of words not quantity.
What people need is to hear God speak through your life, my life, your actions, my actions, our willingness together to serve without words, show love without language and lead people to the Cross of Christ, not tell them how to get there.
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
Hi Brother,
This is one of the best, most concise and direct explanations of what a message needs to be and accomplish that I have seen in some time. And, I might say that the same is true not only about messages, but about presenting God’s greatest message on salvation. I find it interesting that most every denomination presents some form of a plan of salvation, whether in list or tract form. But, in Acts 16, Paul told the Philippian Jailor to simply “Believe”! He cut the whole list of information and related scripture down to a single sentence containing 11 words, “…believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved…” Why did he do that? Well, he realized that the man didn’t need to be told that he was a sinner. He knew that. And, he didn’t need to tell him that the payment was death. He knew that. What the Jailor needed to know was what he needed to do to be saved. And, Paul didn’t mince words or make some long oratory on the matter. He told him in simple terms, just believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!
Brother Clayton Hampton
One of the greatest speeches in history is from Winston Churchill. His speech was simple, direct, to the point, and inspiring. he said:
“Never, never, never give up.”
Wow.
Loved this!! So true.
I talk half as much as I used to, and I listen twice as much as I have previously.
I learn so much more this way.
John